What should be LA Lakers starting 5 until LeBron James returns from injury? Exploring possible fits for upcoming games

LeBron James' injury may keep the 20-year NBA veteran sidelined for at least a few more games. While the scan on his left foot showed no serious damage, the LA Lakers forward is still listed as day-to-day.

The Lakers' starting five will be decimated before The King returns. Considering that the return may not happen until the All-Star break, Darvin Ham will have to figure out how to replace LeBron.

Replacing the NBA's all-time leading scorer is nearly impossible, but the Lakers have acquired several valuable pieces before the trade deadline to make up for this loss.

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LA Lakers' starting lineup without LeBron James

Since breaking the league's all-time scoring record against the OKC Thunder, LeBron James hasn't played in a single game. The four-time MVP did not dress for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks and was inactive against the Golden State Warriors.

The LA Lakers have two more games to play before the All-Star break. LeBron is questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, which is why Ham will have to use a different lineup.

LeBron is questionable against the Trail Blazers (Image via Getty Images)

Stopping Damian Lillard will be a tough challenge for the Lakers, which is why they will need to fortify their guard positions. Since LeBron will most likely miss the game, here is the projected lineup against Portland:

• Anthony Davis
• Rui Hachimura
• Troy Brown Jr.
• D'Angelo Russell
• Dennis Schroder

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Darvin Ham will most likely use two point guards, and LeBron will be replaced by Brown Jr., who is one of the best 3-point shooters on the team. There is a chance that Malik Beasley makes it to the starting lineup, replacing either Russell or Schroder.

Davis is probably against Portland (Image via Getty Images)

Besides LeBron James, Davis is also listed as day-to-day on the Lakers' injury report. However, the power forward is probable against the Portland Trail Blazers and will likely be available.

If Davis misses the game, Mo Bamba might enter the starting five. He started in six games for the Orlando Magic this season, averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in them.

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Lakers' starting lineup against the New Orleans Pelicans

The LA Lakers will match up against Anthony Davis' former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, for their last game before the All-Star break. The Pelicans have played horrible basketball lately, but could still be a threat.

Zion Williamson is out for the Pelicans and CJ McCollum is listed as day-to-day. The Lakers will have to figure out how to stop Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas, since both of them will likely play.

Both LeBron James and Zion Williamson have dealt with injury problems (Image via Getty Images)

Jarred Vanderbilt, who was recently traded to the Lakers, may be inserted into the starting lineup against the Pelicans. Vanderbilt is a 6-foot-9 power forward who is a versatile defender who can cover multiple positions on this end of the floor.

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If Anthony Davis is available against his former team, Vanderbilt may start over Hachimura. Stopping Brandon Ingram will be a top priority for the Lakers, which is why they need to fortify their frontcourt.